Amari Watergate Bangkok

Things to See

Bangkok Dolls Museum

This museum was established by Khunying Tongkorn Chandavimol in 1956 after completing a course on doll making at the Osawa Doll School in Tokyo.

A part of the workshop is devoted to a private collection of about 400 dolls from around the world grouped in several categories, including Khon dolls, hill tribe dolls, Thai rural dolls and Khon mask miniatures. Admission is free.

Phaya Thai Palace

The Phaya Thai Palace was been built by King Rama VI, who lived there from 1919 to the last years of his reign. After his death, the palace turned into one of the most luxurious hotels in Southeast Asia, a radio station and a military hospital.

Every Saturday, volunteers give two free guided tours through the palace that take about two hours; they start at 9:30 and 13:30. Technically it is also possible to visit the palace on weekdays, but you must call to make an appointment and pay 500 baht.

Suan Pakkad Palace

This complex of five Thai-style houses was once the residence of one of Thailand’s leading art collectors, Prince Chumbhot of Nagara Svarga.

It houses an extensive collection of Asian art and antiques, including items from the prehistoric Ban Chiang civilization, and an impressive collection of sea-shells. Admission is 100 THB.

BTS Phaya ThaiTel. +66 2246 1775(-6) Open daily.

Thai Labour Museum

This museum is located at the former office of the labour union of the State Railway of Thailand. It exhibits the historical background of 300 years of the Thai labour movement.

Modern media are used to present the material, such as television, slides and computers. There is also a library with books and research reports on labour. You must call in advance if you plan on visiting with a group. Admission is free.

Address: Nikhom Makkasan RdTel. +66 2251 3173

Victory Monument

This monument was constructed in 1941 by military dictator Plaek Pibulsongkhram to commemorate the 59 Thais who lost their lives in the short and inconclusive French Indochina War.

If traveling north by Skytrain, you’ll be treated to a 180-degree curving panorama of the monument, and this is the best view you can get as actually reaching the base of the monument would require passing through a triple-lane of traffic.

The public restrooms at the major bus stop directly across from the monument costs 2 baht per entry. Admission is free.

Pratunam Center

The shiny new Pratunam center has four floors of textile and jewelry for retail and wholesale. The first two floors are taken up by OTOP (one tambon, one product) that sells handicrafts from every township of Thailand. For now, a large part of the mall is unoccupied.